Conference [Anomalous]

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====== Conference ======

{{ :pexels-mart-production-8872548.jpg?300|A desk with reports and a red lamp.}}

==== Summary ====

  * Conference is the means by which the Foundation can talk to XX-Category Anomalies.
  * Conference must be requested by Mediators using a set of esoteric methods to draw their attention.
  * Some of request methods are straightforward, others are more like solving puzzles. Some of request methods are known to the Foundation, some are not.
  * Once an Anomaly's attention has been drawn, a Conference will be announced with (usually) at least an hour's notice and specify the maximum number of people who can attend as well as any specific people expected to be there.
  * The Conference will occur at a specific location wherein which the Anomaly will have full freedom to do what it likes.

==== Overview ====

In normal day-to-day life, the influence of [[xx_category_anomalies|XX-Category Anomalies]] is fairly minor, but where the Foundation is involved -- particularly at the sites of new uncategorised Incidents or where other Anomalies are being utilised -- their influence is usually stronger or frequent.  They are capable of being both incredibly helpful -- by instigating helpful Incursions, creating opportunities for Excursions, providing artefacts or insights -- or incredibly unhelpful -- by hindering progress, causing Incursion circumstances to be suboptimal, or even sending Incursions or Excursions to harm the efforts of investigators.  As such, it is imperative that these beings are communicated with in order to understand their intentions, to seek their help or at least mitigate their hindrance.

Conference is the means by which Foundation Staff are able to communicate with these powerful reality-bending entities. It is requested by drawing the attention of the entity (or entities) using assorted "Mediation Methods" -- some of which are well known, others of which require investigation and discovery.  Those with [[Authorisations#Mediation|Mediation Authorisation]] will be able to make requests for Conference using these methods: not all of them will result in a Conference, but most will in some way result in a response from one or other of the XX-Category Anomalies.

When a Conference is arranged, it will be advertised at least one hour before it will occur and a number of individuals permitted to attend will be specified.  Sometimes this will stipulate certain individuals be in attendance, other times it will be completely undefined and just a number given.  That said, the Mediator the entity believes led the attempt to contact it will usually be expected to be included. 

The Conference itself will occur in an enclosed location -- usually set up by the Advance Team -- where the entity has full dominion.  The exact durations of Conferences can vary, and it is not uncommon for those who enter to not come out entirely the same as they went in.

==== Known Methods of Mediation ====

Full details on known (or believed) forms of Mediation will be provided to those with Authorisation, but here are some more commonly known methods.

  * [[.:archive:xx-9|XX-9 "Blue Triangle"]] is one of the simpler Mediations to achieve: it understands most forms of written communication and simply requires presentation of questions in the form of up to 27 words on a folded triangle.
  * [[.:archive:xx-12|XX-12 "Green Mist"]] is most frequently contacted with a series of esoteric symbols.  Arranged in the correct patterns, these help with contacting Green Mist but can also be used to communicate some sort of intention.  This can lead to Green Mist being predisposed to a certain topic or feeling prior to any Conference it arranges: Mediators are not entirely convinced the exact meaning of symbol combinations is yet fully understood.
  * Response from [[.:archive:xx-18|XX-18 "Red Circle"]] is best achieved by marking a particular effigy (a red circular object) or setting it up with certain props (e.g. a glove, a vial, an artefact).  Care is advised since intention is not conveyed, only what is present.